The Oakley Podcast

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett talks with Bryan “Bossman” Martin of 4 State Trucks and Chrome Shop Mafia to talk all things custom rigs, chrome, and the state of the trucking industry. Bryan shares highlights from their massive biennial truck show, including 600+ trucks, a packed convoy, and a popular “social media row” of trucking influencers. They dive into current customization trends like LED “watermelon” lights, underglow, bumpers, visors, stacks, fenders, and custom metal fabrication work that solves real storage and usability problems for drivers. The conversation also explores the challenges of attracting younger drivers to trucking, the impact of regulations and congestion, and why both believe the industry is poised to rebound despite current headwinds. Bryan closes by outlining Four State’s growth through authorized dealers, a new podcast, and their powerful new app, while Jeremy connects it all back to Oakley’s own truck show and commitment to supporting owner operators.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett takes the Oakley Podcast on the road to Oakley’s Port 33 terminal in Catoosa, Oklahoma, to introduce dispatcher team members Ethan Homberger and Jeremiah Sheneman. They share their backgrounds, Ethan from box trucks and a side hustle flipping jet skis, Jeremiah from hot shot trucking and a 40,000‑acre farm, and talk about transitioning into dispatch at Oakley. The conversation covers building trust with owner-operators, balancing the needs of customers, drivers, and Bruce Oakley, the realities of over-the-road work versus home-time expectations, and why some drivers succeed while others struggle. Key takeaways for listeners are the importance of communication and realistic expectations, how much dispatchers genuinely care about solving drivers’ problems, and why Ethan and Jeremiah see Oakley as a family-oriented, high-opportunity place for committed owner-operators. Don’t miss this look at trucking from the dispatcher perspective!

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett takes the Oakley Podcast on the road to Oakley’s Port 33 terminal in Catoosa, Oklahoma, to spotlight terminal manager Justin Jolly and operations manager Kyle Haney. They share the origin story of the Oklahoma terminal, from working out of an RV on a dusty gravel lot to running about 150 trucks today, while explaining how the port’s barge, grain, fertilizer, and local industrial freight created a powerful home‑time‑friendly operation. Kyle walks through day‑to‑day dispatch realities (breakdowns, tires, planning, and tight coordination with North Little Rock and Reserve), and both men stress relationship‑based dispatch, face‑to‑face communication with drivers, and proactive communication with customers. Key takeaways: Oakley’s growth in Oklahoma has been steady and intentional, built on dependable service, clean and professional owner‑operators, integrated barge‑truck logistics, and a strong culture of transparency and trust with both drivers and customers. Don’t miss this episode!

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with Louis Ule, Vice President of Sales at TravelCenters of America (TA Petro), to discuss the history and growth of TA since its founding in 1972, its merger with Petro, and the expansion to around 370 locations, including many franchises. They dive into what TA is known for among professional drivers, including large parking lots, amenities, and efforts to keep facilities clean and safe through technology like enhanced lighting, cameras, and live video monitoring. Louis addresses driver feedback on hot topics such as paid parking, showers, and the upcoming overhaul of the TruckSmart app and loyalty program. The conversation also covers TA’s community involvement (Truckers Against Trafficking, St. Christopher Fund, Women in Trucking), its NASCAR partnership, and the changing landscape of professional driving. Key takeaways are that TA is investing heavily in infrastructure, safety, technology, and loyalty improvements, and is actively seeking and acting on driver feedback to improve the on-the-road experience.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Shannon Newton (Arkansas Trucking Association) and Mark Colson (Alabama Trucking Association) to unpack the federal and state crackdown on illegal CDL “mills,” non-domiciled CDLs, and English language proficiency enforcement. They explain how federal standards and state enforcement interact, why self-certified CDL training providers are being removed from the system, and how chameleon carriers abuse multiple DOT numbers to dodge safety rules and accountability. The conversation covers the Trucking Resurgence reform plan, the Safer Transport Act, rising enforcement against bad actors, and new state laws in Arkansas and Alabama. Key takeaways: the industry is aggressively moving to protect CDL integrity, remove unsafe carriers, support law enforcement with better tools, and elevate professional drivers and reputable carriers who do things the right way. Don’t miss this important episode!

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Oakley owner/operator John Burgess about his remarkable journey through trucking, health crises, and entrepreneurship. John talks about getting into trucking at 18, the ups and downs of being an owner-operator (including expensive breakdowns and a tornado-damaged home), and how a series of life-threatening health scares including blood clots, uncontrolled diabetes, and severe illness, forced him to completely reevaluate his lifestyle. John explains how switching to a carnivore/proper human diet, closely monitoring his blood work, and finding better medical guidance helped him lose about 100 pounds, reverse serious issues, and feel healthier at 62 than in his 40s. He also describes building Lizzy B’s Barbecue Rubs & Seasonings, a low- or no-sugar, keto/diabetic-friendly seasoning line inspired by his love of barbecue. Key takeaways: trucking can be financially and emotionally brutal without savings and support; health cannot be outsourced to doctors alone; diet and disciplined self-care can radically change outcomes; and even after near-death moments, it’s possible to rebuild your body, business, and marriage.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett talks with Oakley Owner-Operator Craig Taylor about his journey from a long, successful career in wealth management to trucking and becoming a first-time owner-operator. Craig shares his past as a high-functioning alcoholic, a devastating 2019 single-vehicle accident that nearly killed him, the long recovery that followed, and the wake-up call of alcoholic pancreatitis that led him to quit drinking cold turkey. He explains how faith, second chances, and personal responsibility shaped his return to trucking, his move to Oakley, and his approach to running his truck like a business, covering fuel strategy, costs, and what it really takes to succeed as an owner-operator. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this episode!

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett welcomes Keith Wilson, Tasha Rinehart, and Joe Vulpone from Arrow Truck Sales to spotlight the successful partnership with Oakley and Arrow. The conversation delves into their 75-year history, the process of sourcing and inspecting quality used trucks, and Arrow’s customer-first approach. Key discussions include the impact of technology in truck sales, the unique advantages of Arrow’s in-house financing through Transport Funding, and the opening of their new Little Rock location. Listeners will learn about the importance of building lasting relationships, post-sale support for drivers, adapting to industry changes for long-term trucking success, and so much more.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett interviews Major General Bob Walters, exploring his extraordinary career in the U.S. Army, the challenges of military leadership, and the profound impact on his family. Walters shares captivating stories from deployments around the globe, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the notable Abu Ghraib experience. The episode also touches on the parallels between military discipline and the trucking industry, promoting Walters’ new book about leadership in tough times. Key takeaways include the sacrifices made by military families, the value of steadfast leadership under pressure, the strong ties between veterans and the world of trucking, and so much more.

We're taking a look back at some of our favorite episodes of 2025. This week on the Oakley Podcast, Megan Cummings and Dustin Eagle bring you another great episode as they welcome Fred & Jerome Levy. Fred is an Owner/Operator here at Oakley, and his son Jerome is already planning his trucking career. Fred, who started driving with Pepsi and transitioned to over-the-road trucking, discusses his career path and joining Oakley Trucking. Jerome, already knowledgeable in the industry, demonstrates an intense interest in trucking, using American Truck Simulator and already planning to start his own company in the future. The episode explores changes in the trucking industry, the importance of family values, understanding of trucking regulations, and truck models. Key takeaways include the evolving nature of trucking, the significance of mentorship even from parent to child, the potential for young, passionate individuals to innovate in the transportation industry, and so much more.

We're taking a look back at some of our favorite episodes of 2025. This week on the Oakley Podcast, hosts Jeremy Kellett and Megan Cummings welcome Brad Page, one of our owner/operators at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Brad shares his incredible journey as a commercial airline pilot for over 30 years to the open road of being an owner-operator. The discussion covers Brad's memorable flying experiences, including challenging landings and his work in medevac missions. The episode also touches on Brad's family, his sons' careers in engineering and mechanics, the evolving technology in the trucking industry, comparisons between being a pilot and an owner-operator, and so much more.

We're taking a look back at some of our favorite episodes of 2025. This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Carlton & Leigh Wing, the Hosts & Founders of Wing Media Group and creators of the Arkansas Great Outdoors show. During the episode, Carlton & Leigh share their journey from broadcasting to media entrepreneurship. Leigh also shares her personal ties to trucking in the family and the appreciation everyone should have for truckers and their importance in keeping the country running. The Wings highlight Arkansas's incredible natural resources, emphasizing the state's diverse outdoor opportunities and the importance of getting people, especially youth, engaged with nature. Carlton also reveals his recent decision to step back from politics after serving in the House of Representatives for 10 years. Throughout the conversation, they stress the therapeutic benefits of outdoor experiences and the joy of discovering new activities like fishing, hiking, and exploring state parks. Don’t miss it!

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett chats with Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), to discuss major issues impacting the trucking industry. Topics include the challenges and controversy around non-domicile CDL holders, changes and enforcement of English proficiency rules for drivers, industry safety standards, and ongoing regulatory updates from Washington. Listeners will learn about the risks these issues pose to highway safety, why higher standards and stricter oversight are needed, and how advocacy and grassroots involvement can make a difference. The episode emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement in trucking policy, the critical role organizations like OOIDA play for drivers and owner-operators, and so much more.